So I ordered a few (!) of the JLA trade paperbacks (the 11-year-old insists that they are "graphic novels"--does that term apply to compilations like these, or only to comics-in-book-form that comprise a single unified storyline?) and they are trickling in. The first one won't be here for a while, so I'm talking about the first one I read. It seems to be all part of the same story arc, although I gather that's not the case with all of these books.
In all honesty I have to say that if I had picked this up as my one and only attempted introduction to the JLA, I probably wouldn't have picked up another, because it isn't a very good starting point. (Then again it is #3, including issues 10-15) I assume that #1 will be better in that respect?) For one thing, who are these "New Gods" who are guesting in the book? I'm not even remotely familiar with them; I even asked my brother, who was much more of a DC reader than I was when we were kids, and he didn't know either. So there's that, but that sort of thing need not be a deal-breaker. The alternate-future thing was also less than compelling for someone who isn't particularly familiar with the existing continuity, but again, likely not an issue for most of the audience.
Cool things:
Plastic Man! I just get a kick out of Plastic Man. I don't know why. All the other stretchy heroes seem to make a point of being so serious, it's neat to see someone who appreciates and embraces the potential goofiness of his abilities.
Green Lantern arguing with the bystander and Superman pulling him away. I guess it would be tempting, though not particularly productive, and a natural impulse to defend oneself in that situation.
Less cool things:
Metron seems like he'd be really annoying to have around. He is certainly annoying to read.
Questions:
Why is Superman blue? (Granted that this is an improvement over the mullet he had in the GL TPB I just read, but there's got to be a reason.)
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